In our collective consciousness, Friday the 13th has been draped in the shroud of superstition and bad luck. It even bears the name of a famous horror movie. Studies suggest that accidents tend to spike on this supposedly ominous date. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this superstition?
Do you find yourself apprehensive on Friday the 13th?
The amalgamation of Friday and the number 13 as a harbinger of misfortune seems to be a relatively modern notion, dating back only about a century. There’s even a tongue-twister of a word for the fear of Friday the 13th – paraskevidekatriaphobia. Good luck pronouncing that one!
One prevalent myth associated with the number 13 traces its roots to the Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his 12 Apostles. From this occasion arose the superstition that if 13 individuals gathered for a meal, one among them would meet their demise within the year. Many attribute the ominous reputation of the number 13 to this event, with some suggesting that Judas, the betrayer of Jesus, occupied the 13th seat at that fateful supper.
Even today, some folks consider it unlucky to have 13 diners at a table, often resorting to placing a teddy bear in an empty seat to maintain a count of 14. Norse mythology paints a similar picture, with the 13th guest, Loki, wreaking havoc at a dinner party and plunging the world into darkness.
As for Friday, it was historically known as Hangman’s Day in Britain due to the hangman’s grim duty of carrying out executions.
Friday the 13th – A Day of Divine Feminine Energy
Prior to the ascendancy of patriarchal beliefs, Friday the 13th held a different significance – it was celebrated as the day of the Goddess. A day dedicated to venerating the Divine Feminine residing within each of us, a day to pay homage to the cycles of creation, death, and rebirth.
Originally, Friday the 13th was regarded as a day of great power, a time to manifest, celebrate creativity, and revel in the beauty, wisdom, and nourishment of the soul.
Venus Energy
Friday derives its name from Freya, the goddess associated with Venus, epitomizing feminine energy. As we approach the weekend, Venus’s energy envelops us, reminding us of the importance of rest, relaxation, and play.
In our society, we all eagerly anticipate Friday (Venus’s day), and we naturally find ourselves unwinding and basking in her comforting embrace. Hence, Friday becomes the perfect day to embrace Venus-like energy, focusing on creativity, beauty, and sensuality.
Venus’s energy also encourages us to tap into our receptive feminine side, fostering creativity and ushering art, music, and healing into the world.
The Number 13 & Lunar Cycles
The number 13 carries an exceptionally potent feminine energy, symbolizing death and rebirth, creation, fertility, and the life force itself. This connection arises from the fact that we experience 13 moon cycles each year. This mirrors the average woman’s 13 menstrual cycles annually.
For women whose periods sync with the lunar cycle, menstruation typically aligns with the New Moon, representing a phase of shedding (akin to death), while ovulation coincides with the Full Moon, symbolising rebirth. The 13th day often falls in the middle of this lunar cycle, signifying the midway point between death and rebirth.
In ancient times, when a woman menstruated, she was believed to embody divine and mystical powers. People sought her wisdom and her ability to offer intuitive and psychic insights. During ovulation, she was celebrated for being at the peak of her power, revered for her capacity to receive, nurture, and create new life.
As society shifted toward patriarchy, women were made to feel ashamed. Ashamed of their remarkable potential to create and nurture new life. This contributed to the belief that Friday the 13th was an unlucky day.
Lunar Cycles – 13 per year
The Moon itself is a symbol of feminine energy, aiding us in understanding and managing our emotions and sensitivities. With its 13 lunar months, the lunar calendar reinforces the idea of 13 as a bearer of feminine power. In astrology, the Moon governs not only our emotions but also our potential and how we express ourselves throughout life. For many, understanding their Moon sign often brings greater self-awareness than their Sun sign.
A Day of Powerful Energy
When we bring Friday and the number 13 together, a different narrative emerges. Friday the 13th reveals itself as a day steeped in feminine energy and creativity. It is a time of potent transitions between emergence and dissolution.
In the eyes of women and the pagan community, Friday the 13th is held in high esteem. Many rituals and spells are conducted on this day to harness its beautiful energy. This, too, has contributed to the aura of fear surrounding Friday the 13th.
Feminine energy resides in all of us. It makes Friday the 13th a day not just for women, but for everyone to embrace their capacity to create and receive energy from the world around us.
In reality, Friday the 13th is far from unlucky. It is, instead, the Day of the Goddess. A day for creation and celebration of life. The day to attune with your emotions and sensitivities. And an opportunity to express gratitude to the Goddess that dwells within us all.
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